UT: Wildlife official admits hunting violation, asks to be fined

Karpowitz, director of the Utah Division of Wildlife, struck a blow for
hunting ethics recently when he called up wildlife law enforcement officers
and asked them to write him a ticket.

He had been hunting sage grouse on a ranch near the borders of Rich and
Morgan counties. After his hunt, he discovered that he had killed two grouse
in Morgan County. His permit was good only for Rich County. The border was
unmarked, and Karpowitz was unaware that he had crossed the boundary until
afterward.

When he found out he had crossed the line, literally and figuratively, he
asked to be cited for the incident. He also wrote all 500 Division of
Wildlife employees to acknowledge his transgression. This week, Karpowitz
pleaded guilty to the citation's charges and was fined $138.

In a time when public officials consistently seek to avoid responsibility
for illegal, immoral or unethical actions, Karpowitz readily assumed
responsibility and accepted the consequences. Good for him.

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